US ranks second in installed wind energy capacity

The United States ranks second in installed wind power capacity in the world, according to the Department of Energy (DOE).

The nation has installed 61GW of total wind capacity following “modest growth” in 2013, meeting nearly 4.5% of electricity demand in a year, its reports reveal.

The DOE hailed the industry, suggesting the sector is seeing decreasing prices of wind energy technologies and the country is moving closer to doubling renewable electricity generation by 2020.

A vast majority (76%) of small wind turbines manufactured in the US were exported to other nations last year – an increase from 57% in 2012.

But the sector has struggled to receive consistent policy support as the Congress refused to continue with the Wind Production Tax Credit (PTC) – a $13 billion (£7.8bn) yearly tax break.

Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said: “The continued success of the US wind industry highlights the importance of policies like the Production Tax Credit that provide a solid framework for America to lead the world in clean energy innovation while also keeping wind manufacturing and jobs in the US.”